Clunking

[jazzman83]

Hey guys

Done some research and I think I may have narrowed down the issue but wanted to get your input to see if it might be something else. I installed new struts and shock last summer and for the last couple weeks i gets knocks (it sounds like it's coming from the front struts) anytime I go over a bump (large or small). Everything has been tightened except the bolt on the top of the strut. COuple people have said it could be that bolt however it sounds like I have to take the strust out to tighten it and wanted to see if it could be anything else. Any suggestion would be great and thanks in advance.

Jazz

[Hyperion]

It's very possible that that is it. I've had that one a set of coils, I forget who's. You do have to take it out and then use a Allen key and wrench to tighten.

[peterm15]

It can be done without removing the strut. I had to do it a few times after I installed my coils.

[Hyperion]

How do you tighten it? Do you have a socket wrench that you can stick an Allen key through?

[peterm15]

Nope. I used a large adjustable wrench on a slight angle and an allen key.

And in a pinch I used a socket with an allen key through it and turned the socket with a pipe wrench. (This one worked better actually)

[r4mi5awi]

If that doesn't fix your clunking. A lot of owners overlook the importance of buying rubber spring silencers and coil spring seats as well as lubing contact points with lithium grease. Tein sells rubber ones and energy suspension makes pu ones. They will definitely mitigate metal to metal and component clunking while being close to replacing OEM rubber bushings that sometimes can't be reused or won't fit when installing aftermarket parts. If everything seems to be fine and bolted on to spec, I'd go this route :)

I definitely plan to purchase these when I do my coilover install in the summer.

[FD22]

Yea, it could be the springs coming off the seats. Could be possible if the springs are old/losing their stiffness.

Also, how do you know for sure it's coming from the front struts? Could very well be a busted bearing in the LCA. Might be worthwhile to check that too, as I had an issue similar to yours, and that was the culprit for me.

[Cab0oze]

Could be the swaybar bushings. I had to replace all 4 of mine, first the rear went, then the front a few months later. It makes the clunk when going over bumps/uneven road that sounds like its coming from the shocks.

[jazzman83]

Thanks everybody for your suggestion. I know its not the LCA as I had the front tires off last weekend and there were no issues there. I didn't however think about the spring silencer and I think I"ll give that a try. I will also try to tighten the top nut and see if that makes a difference. My nest question is, how long can I leave this? Yes, the noise is annoying however whats more annoying is working on the car in -10 weather and would like to delay this till spring if I can.

[peterm15]

It take 5 min to snug up that bolt on top to see if its the problem. I would do that and take care of the problem asap.